Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that Veli Mothwa will start in goal against eSwatini on Friday in the absence of Ronwen Williams.
South Africa, who were drawn with Tunisia, Mali and Namibia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will face eSwatini on Friday before a stern test against AFCON hosts Ivory Coast next week.
Broos confirmed that Williams will miss the first game due to injury, but also announced that the 31-year-old became a father for a second time.
“I want to make a happy announcement, Ronwen became yesterday (Wednesday) father of a beautiful girl,” he told journalists.
“We congratulate him and his girlfriend. I saw a very happy papa this morning any breakfast, so we were all happy for him.
“She’s is really, really beautiful. I saw a photograph of her, he did really well, Ronwen.”
The Belgian tactician also confirmed that Veli Mothwa will be Williams’ replacement on Friday, explaining the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper misses out with an injury.
“Veli,” he replied when asked who between Mothwa and Ricardo Goss will start.
“Ronwen still got an injury. Already in the beginning of the week we knew that Ronwen was not available for the game against eSwatini.
“But we are optimistic for the game next week against Ivory Coast.”
Mothwa has made eight appearances for Bafana so far and is yet to concede a goal, excluding the penalty shootout against Senegal at the 2021 COSAFA Cup, where he went without conceding through the tournament.
Three of his appearances have come under Broos, the last in a 0-0 draw with Namibia in September.
